HAMAS: IN THE DAWN OF ACHANGE

03/05/2017

İlknur Şebnem Öztemel-TDO-03.05.2017 Recently, Hamas released a new article about its future policy. What is significant here is their softened language, open division between Jews and their ‘’ occupant, Zionistenemies’’ and somehowthe acceptance of 1967 borders.

The head of the movement’s political bureau, Khaled Meshal, presented the article, at a press conference in Doha and said, “Hamas advocates the liberation of all of Palestine but is ready to support the state on 1967 borders without recognizing Israel or ceding any rights”.

In the article, it has been said that the movement accepts the establishment of a Palestinian state in territories occupied by Israel in the six-day war of 1967.

Secondly, it says, Hamas's struggle is not with Jews but with "occupying Zionist aggressors". It is significant to remind that the previous charter, announced in 1988, was condemned for its anti-Jewish language.

Thirdly, the new document insists that Hamas is a not a revolutionary force that seeks to interfere in other countries politics. This commitment would likely to be welcomed by other states such as Egypt.

This maneuvercame just two days before a White House meeting between Donald Trump and Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah movement remains at odds with Hamas.

A spokesman for the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said “Hamas is attempting to fool the world, but it will not succeed”. Additionally, Ed Royce, the chair of the House foreign relations committee, said “Until Hamas recognizes Israel’s right to exist, its words are meaningless. I will see to it that Hamas remains designated a terrorist organization as long as it continues to launch rocket attacks against Israeli civilians, remains an Iranian proxy, and engages in other acts that threaten the US and Israel.”

It is impossible to see the minds of political actors, including Hamas. Nevertheless, undoubtedly, Hamas tries to show itself better to other political actorswhich is a very beneficial thing in today’s World. Each state, group or movement, use diverse public relations methods and seek to attract others, seen as a respectful move but most importantly, try not to be seen as a hostile movement, regardless of their true aims. We see several examples of it likewise; the ‘’honor and credibility’’ clashes in the French presidential elections. On the other hand, it is really hard to believe in Israeli government on their statements about ‘’fooling’’ the world as they detent, arrest, harm innocent Palestinians who just try to survive in their homeland and call it ‘’a matter of national security’’. Let’s hope that it would be a sign of a better future for all.